Location: Maidstone
Top Things to do in Maidstone
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What to do and see in Maidstone, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
Maidstone is a large, historically important town in Kent, England, of which it is the county town. The River Medway runs through the centre of the town, linking it with Rochester and the Thames Estuary. Historically, the river carried much of the town's trade as the centre of the agricultural county of Kent, known as the Garden of England. There is evidence of settlement in the area dating back before the Stone Age. The town, part of the borough of Maidstone, had a population of 107,627 people in 2011. There has been a shift in the town's economy since the Second World War away from heavy industry towards light industry and services.
Restaurants in Maidstone
1. Mote Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 819 reviews
Reviewed By Roger T - Maidstone, United Kingdom
Lovely walks, a picturesque lake, and a child-friendly play area. Thre is a small restaurant near the lake.
Car parking is free and the Park and Ride is at the far side of the park.
The best time to visit is in Autumn when the tree-lined avenue is a blaze of colour
2. Leeds Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Considered one of the most romantic Castles in England, this historic site was originally the stately home of the Saxon royal family during the reign of Ethelbert IV in 856-860.
Reviewed By Kspeller - Enfield, United Kingdom
Firstly if you are looking at the entry prices and think they are a little steep (which I don’t) then remember, your payment allows you entry for the rest of the year, so it’s actually excellent value for money. Despite the weather not being great it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. The ground are simply beautiful and present something different depending on the time of year that you visit. It is immaculate, the castle, the grounds, the playground and public areas. It’s not the cheapest food, but you can take your own in if you’re organised enough! There’s wild life everywhere, amazing swans, black and white! Separate Playgrounds for the little ones and bigger ones so no need to worry while they blow off steam. Love the maze, great way to lose the kids for a bit...and then there’s the castle itself. It’s amazing, some great historical artefacts, the kids where given fact sheets and eye spy sheets to keep them engaged. Some of the more recent furnishings are gorgeous too. We’ll be making the most of our year of entry, that’s for sure.
3. Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats
Overall Ratings
5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By Sarah B
I had a fantastic trip to Buttercups. I was given the goat keeper experience as a birthday present and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The staff were very friendly and welcoming and the goats were amazing. I learnt so much and enjoyed feeding and looking after the goats, they really are very special animals, each with its own personality!
I would highly recommend a visit to Buttercups, I only wish I lived nearer so that I could visit regularly.
4. Cobtree Manor Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
Reviewed By DaveTheYeti - Beckenham, United Kingdom
What a gem of a place for small children! Decided to pop in here having looked at parks and was very impressed with the playing area and its arrangements/lay out. Ample things for small ones to do spread over a fairly large site. Parking is payable on all days and not payable by any format other that cash. Cafe close by and lots of picnic benches. Didn’t get much of a chance to get round the entire park but I would recommend to anyone with small children.
5. Maidstone Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
An exceptionally fine regional museum with collections that comprise a rich and impressive variety of historical objects, fine art and natural history. On site we have a variety of hands on activities and trails for families and a wonderful café for that well earned break. A variety of Exhibitions and events take place throughout the year so please check our website for up to date information https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/
Reviewed By JulieB3333 - Melbourne, Australia
My husband and I popped in to Maidstone Museum one afternoon to fill in some time. It is a wonderful old style museum with lots of nooks and cranies to explore and lots of different and seemingly unrelated exhibits. There are exhibits on local animals, dinosaurs, fossils, military history, famous Kent/Maidstone personalities and clothing to name a few. I was particularly interested to see the posters describing how you could become a nurse. My, how times have changed. There are lots of hands on things for you to touch and explore which would appeal to younger children. And being big kids ourselves we got right in to it. There is also a cafe which looked quite nice and a gift shop which sells candles and tea towels and everything in between. This is a fabulous resource for Maidstone and while it may not be as up to date as some other museums it is really worth a visit and is a credit to all the volunteers who work so hard to keep it going.
6. Kent Owl Academy
Overall Ratings
5 based on 58 reviews
The Kent Owl Academy is a family run business, situated within the confines of 'Kent Life' in Maidstone. Providing Experience days, School visits, Visits to Brownies and other organisations, Photography workshops, Corporate events and TV/Film/Media work and much more! Get up close and personal with owls and exotic animals!
Reviewed By BritHammy - Whitstable, United Kingdom
We had a Owl Encounter Experience and wanted to say it was a lovely experience. A privilege to meet all the owls although little Ted was a fave. The Volunteer Staff were very informative, knowledgeable and passionate and a kind awareness of the well-being of the owls.
They were keen for us to see the owls in flight and I managed to get some very impressive slow-motion footage of the owls in flight which was really cool. Great tip - thank you!
So just to say we wish Molly and her volunteer staff the best of luck with the Kent Owl Academy. We will be telling local and further afield friends and look forward to seeing further developments in the Kent Owl Academy and hope to visit again sometime in the future.
Thank you again. Amanda, Elaine and Catriona xxx
7. Kent Life
Overall Ratings
4 based on 637 reviews
We are a 28 acre Heritage Farm Park and aim to be a memorable and fun day out for all the family. Step back in time and visit our Vintage Village, take in the smells and colours in the Kentish Gardens, get your boots muddy and explore our Farmyard & Nature then take a break and set the kids free in our Family Play! We have daily activities and regular seasonal events throughout the year.
Reviewed By louie_wins
Visited today. Half term & very busy. Summer must be packed.
Positives:
The staff were all very friendly & great with the kids
The place was very clean which given how busy it was & that its a farm was pretty impressive
Lots of different things to do, can easily make a day of it
Reasonable entry costs - £6-£8 pp mark
New bits (big tent shows, train etc) were good improvements
Added animal interactions through the day were good & kept ques down
Negatives:
Food was hard work - we qued 30 mins outside in the rain fairly early into lunchtime & the counters were empty, no sandwiches or jackets so sausage rolls all round! No Seating available anywhere.
Not enough toilet facilities so each time a que.
The added extras were pricey - £7 to paint a pot, £2 for a balloon etc, adds up when you have a group of 4 children!
Summary:
Go. Have a lovely day. Just take a picnic & try & guide your children away from the additionally charged activities...
8. Teapot Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By erictW8695LJ - Wembley
This is essentially a museum of tea pots old and new, Quite fascinating for what could prove to be boring, but actually is quite exciting!
Like most places for family days out, it boasts a tea room (!) and the food was so good we all had seconds.
The tea room is not licensed, but for those who like a strong drink there is a pub almost next door.
9. Stoneacre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By MrsParrington - Eastbourne, United Kingdom
Last minute addition to a day out.
Gardens that will make you first, want to sit down on strategically placed benches to soak in the beautifully planted and maintained grounds, then wander and weave through stone steps and footpaths made to bring out your inquisitive side.
The staff there are so genuinly interested in helping you understand the history of the place, enthusiasm and joy in what they do is hard to miss and very refreshing - just ask the questions.
Interesting building, perfect for photography.
Note- no card machines in use there so make sure you take cash.
10. All Saints The Parish Church of Maidstone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By SteMar247
I'm not a religious person, but did enjoy Midnight Mass on Xmas Eve. The service was enjoyable, but it's the church architecture that I appreciated most.
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